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FIT-OUT PROFILE - UMDASCH THE STORE MAKERS products, but memorable, surprising experiences, atmosphere. The well-planned, holistic design and biodegradable options.

which is why dynamic, ever-changing offerings greatly improves the shopping experience “Additionally, we support upcycling through
and temporary installations are so appealing. by fostering a calm and inviting environment. our refurbishment services, helping extend
Distinguished by its high-traffic environment Additionally, the use of warm, sustainable the life of store fixtures. Together with our
and the need to manage large volumes of materials, soft lighting and clear customer customers, we aim to build environmentally
customers in a short time frame, the travel navigation further enhance comfort and provide responsible and long-lasting stores. By offering
retail division is unlike other retail categories. a sense of orientation.” tailored sustainability workshops we guide clients
Travel retail experiences peak traffic on a Looking forward, the company is well on creating eco-friendly stores, helping them
daily basis, particularly during busy flight times prepared to be a competent partner with its navigate the complex transition toward more
at international airports. This contrasts with large amount of airport experience in EMEA. sustainable retail environments,” Ripfl comments.
traditional retail, where such high volumes They are looking forward to supporting with As our time with Michael begins to run out, we
of customers are generally only seen during their engineering and manufacturing capabilities ask him what the future holds for the company
seasonal peaks. This near constant flow of in this unique and exciting sector, leveraging their and what challenges are present in the industry?
travellers creates unique operational challenges, expertise to deliver innovative and high-quality “We are seeing a shift towards creating more
requiring efficiency in handling high customer solutions that meet the unique needs of airport immersive and experiential retail environments
turnover and time-sensitive purchases. environments. With a strong track record in the retail industry, which aligns perfectly
“One key area of the travel retail sector is in travel retail, umdasch aim to expand their with our expertise in blending craftsmanship
the often overly rigid division between retail, footprint and contribute to shaping the future of and digital innovation. Looking forward, we
catering, lounge and workspaces. To enhance retail experiences in airports globally. are particularly enthusiastic about the growing
Sustainability is at the core of umdasch’s
the overall experience for all types of travellers, value engineering and shopfitting processes. demand for sustainable and modular store
these spaces should be more seamlessly
designs,” highlights Ripfl.
Copyright: Delivering connected, as we demonstrated with our They carefully select materials, optimise their “That being said, the biggest challenge we
umdasch open marketplace concept at Cologne/Bonn production processes and are committed to face right now is navigating the uncertainty
Airport,” Ripfl highlights. “Combining these prioritising resource efficiency and renewable within the retail industry. The changing
on its Promises reducing journey-related stress. As a result, responsible forestry through FSC certification mortar retailers to rethink their spaces. The
different elements helps slow down travellers,
energy. Their focus includes decarbonisation,
consumer expectations are forcing brick-and-
challenge is big, but so is the opportunity and
and continuously improving the environmental
they linger longer and are more likely to make
purchases. The concept we installed at the
sustainable products by carefully selecting eco-
Cologne/Bonn Airport features an open layout impact of their operations. They seek to create that is what keeps us excited and forward-
looking,” Ripfl concludes.
umdasch The Store Makers is a company that prides itself on blending its rich heritage of craftsmanship and ample seating to create a more enjoyable friendly materials such as recycled, locally sourced www.umdasch.com
with forward-thinking digital innovation. In this profile, RLI meets with Michael Ripfl, Sales Director
Nordics & Travel Retail to converse about the steps the business is taking within the travel retail industry 2
and how this will continue to be a key component for the business moving forward.
he mission of umdasch The Store Makers on sustainability and regionality. Meanwhile at
Tis clear, to create exceptional, experience- Frankfurt Airport they developed the exclusive
driven retail environments that reflect their Miles & More Worldshop in the Lufthansa First
clients’ unique brand identities. Whether this is Class Terminal. The store blends luxury with
design consulting, project management, general flexibility, incorporating digital elements such
contracting or integrating cutting-edge digital as LED cubes for multi-sensory experiences
retail solutions, they handle every aspect of and events, highlighting the group’s expertise in
store creation. combining high-end materials, dynamic layouts
With over 155 years of experience and a and advanced digital solutions for the travel retail
team of 1,300 dedicated professionals, what sector. Finally at Vienna Airport, they designed
umdasch bring to the table is an unparalleled and executed the Senses of Austria souvenir umdasch
commitment to quality and attention to detail. shop, a unique concept that immerses travellers
Every year, they deliver over 7,000 shopfitting TRAVELLERS NOW SEEK in an Austrian-themed gift paradise. Flughafen Wien 4 Copyright:
umdasch
and 200 general contractor projects, each NOT JUST PRODUCTS, BUT “The landscape of travel retail is constantly 1
MEMORABLE, SURPRISING
reflecting their deep understanding of materials, EXPERIENCES, WHICH IS WHY evolving. Fifteen years ago, traditional duty-free
design and emerging trends. DYNAMIC, EVER-CHANGING stores were replaced by walk-through duty- 3
One of their most recent key project OFFERINGS AND TEMPORARY free concepts. Today, the focus has shifted
completions was the Harrods Holiday & Occasion INSTALLATIONS ARE SO towards creating immersive experiences and
Rooms in London. Part of Harrods’ womenswear APPEALING.” fostering a sense of place and connection,”
redevelopment, they were responsible for the explains Michael Ripfl, Sales Director Nordics
shopfitting. The project covers nearly 10,000sq and department stores, the travel retail sector & Travel Retail at umdasch The Store Makers.
ft and features luxurious materials like stone, has presented a number of opportunities, “Travellers do not want to encounter the same
polished brass and high-quality fabrics. Their allowing umdasch The Store Makers to work on items everywhere; they appreciate discovering
work included detailed engineering, furniture numerous projects, each of which are tailored to local specialities and unique, culturally significant Jens Görlich / Miles & More GmbH
production and seamless installation, creating its own unique environment. products that reflect the region. This adds
an elevated retail environment that aligns with For example, in the Cologne/Bonn Airport authenticity to their shopping experience.”
Harrods’ vision for premium, year-round holiday they created a modern, open-layout duty- Michael adds to this by saying that travellers’
shopping experiences. free area that is customer-oriented, modern expectations for their retail experiences have also Main Picture: Duty Free, Cologne Bonn Airport, Germany; 1. Senses of Austria, Vienna
International Airport Austria; 2. Harrods Holiday and Occasions, London, UK;
Away from their work in traditional shops and offers a high quality of stay, with a focus shifted significantly, that they now seek not just 3. Miles & More, Frankfurt Airport, Germany. 4. Duty Free, Cologne Bonn Airport Germany.

30 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024